I thought it was the hardest work I had ever done.
"This is dry business," finally remarked Jack.
"That's just what it is," I answered; "jerk the bell, Jack." The bell-boy soon appeared.

We ordered refreshments; after partaking thereof we resumed our task.

We studied hard for an hour or two, but finally gave it up as a bad job, although we had succeeded in committing a small portion to memory.

Buntline now came into the room and said: "Boys, how are you getting along ?" "I guess we'll have to go back on this studying business as it isn't our _forte_" said I.
"Don't weaken now, Bill; you'll come out on the top of the heap yet.

Let me hear you recite your part," said Buntline.